Zoning For Proposed Subdivision Site May Be Toughened

Naperville — Plans for a small subdivision are likely to go back to the drawing board after City Council members said they would prefer more restrictive zoning for the site.

Siebert Builders of Naperville had requested R1-A zoning for a now-unincorporated property of about three acres at Olesen Lane and Norwood Court on the east side of town. The zoning would have allowed the company to build seven single-family homes on the site, but neighboring homeowners and several council members said that was too many.

"It will greatly detract from the open atmosphere," said Kathleen Kenny, a resident on Kenilworth Circle. The surrounding area is less densely developed, she said, and would be harmed by a subdivision where houses are more closely packed.

Michael Van Poucke, the developer's attorney, said Siebert would be willing to seek the more restrictive R1 zoning if it could maintain sideyard setbacks at the less restrictive R1-A limits to allow for three-car garages. However, the council voted 6-3 against that request, then decided by the same margin that Siebert should return to the city with a request for straight R1 zoning.

Under R1, the developer would probably be limited to about six homes at the site, said chief planner Bob Kallien.